Help finding a decent BBb tuba

[petepuma]

Been looking for months for a decent tuba on ebay and the like. For now I am borrowing a full sized Dynasty that is not bad but am interested in buying one that is as good or better. I understand condition issues but I am not familiar with brands and models that would be decent. Would like better than a student model but can't go full blown professional. Would like anyone perusing ebay or the like to help me find a tuba that fits my needs.

Note, I am new to this blog so forgive me if this post is inappropriate. Please don't bash anyone's suggestions. We all have a right to our opinion.

Thanks for any help

petepuma


Posts: 1
Joined: Tue Dec 22, 2015 11:49 am

[Dubby]

What is your budget?

[petepuma]

Of course the budget is tight. I was hoping to stay under $2000 but realize that may not get me much. I am willing to stretch this if the horn is good and it has a chance of holding its value. I see things that are in my price range but never sure if it is a good buy. As you can imagine, I am looking for the best I can get. I am in Western PA.

Thank you all for your posts so far.

[Tabor]

thevillagetinker.com


King 4v under budget with good valves.

The upright bells can be found. I have one, actually.

[edsel585960]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Conn-20J-tuba-N ... SwcOFWa4H0" target="_blank Can't go wrong with a 20J. Big tuba, big sound.

[TUbajohn20J]

Agreed. If you want a 6/4, well made tuba with a huge beautiful sound... Can't go wrong with a 20J. You can always find good ones for under $1500. You don't need four valves with them. With mine atleast, could pump out the pedals in tune with false fingerings. Can't go wrong.

[vespa50sp]

What's the purpose? Are you a student headed for college for a music major, playing in a community band or quintets at church. Do you care if the horn is big or small (are you big or small, can you physically handle a large horn?).

I find myself looking at trading down to a smaller horn because approaching 60 lugging it to community band practice is becoming a consideration : )

Yamaha 321's are non-compensated 4 valves. A nice intermediate horn. The Kings are always a good choice, but heavy metal. I wouldn't get hugely concerned about stencil horns. They have been around since the 1800's : ) Durability and sound are always important. You are going to drop it someday.

Don't let dents bother you - the condition of the valveset and how it sounds is the most important. I have a shop in town that will make any tuba pretty for about $700.

Good luck

[Bwemrich]

I am also in Western PA. contact me for tuba at bruceemrich@gmail.com" target="_blank

[iiipopes]

Everybody can take pot shots with their favorite tuba - the "186" rants of the past on this forum come to mind - but unless the OP gives us an idea of his intended application and repertoire, as well as his budget, then all tubas are good, and no tubas are good.

[Frank Byrne]

I tried all the BB-flat tubas at Midwest and perhaps the best bargain there was the Tuba Exchange TE-2111 -- a 4/4, 4 rotary horn that is compact but has quite an amazing sound. The retail price is $2,395 brand new. Very easy to play.

[petepuma]

Thanks all of you for your help. I came to realize that I should wait a little longer in order to save enough for a new horn. I have someone close here that knows about tubas and he thought your advice was honest. He also thought that the offers given were quite good. I really appreciate that and will repost when I've saved enough. Thanks.